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Welcome!

I'm Jeanne Marie Merkel.

I am a Certified Life and Transition Coach,

Reiki Master Practitioner, Workshop Leader, Spiritual Coach,  SoulCollage® Facilitator,

Ceremonialist, Nature Lover & Free-Style Dancer.

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​My greatest joy:

Is to be fully present with the people I coach: hearing their stories, engaging in the coaching process together, and watching their lives unfold in new, creative and authentic ways!

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I believe in community - in the power of connection to call us each into our full potential.

All my life I have been grateful to those teachers, friends, mentors, and coaches who have helped me through my transitions. 

 

I am honored to be able to do the same for others in my community.

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Jeanne Merkel at Greenport Dances by Est
LI Regional Facilitator Group 2016-10-02
Jeanne after Dance Session 2020-03-17.jp

A little about my background

 

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I received my Coaching Certification from the Institute for Professional Excellence in Coaching (iPEC) in August 2018. This rigorous 9 month program is approved by the International Coach Federation (ICF), and includes training in Energy Leadership.

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I have had the privilege of assisting people in their spiritual development through interfaith counseling, workshops and rites of passage since 2003.  I have been a part of and have led Women's Circles since the 1980's, and so I know firsthand the transformative power of sharing our growing edges in community!

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A life-long student of Psychology, Spirituality and the Arts,

I hold a Master of Divinity Degree from Union Theological Seminary in Depth Psychology and Interfaith Studies (2001).  I received interfaith chaplaincy training in a NY City hospital, hospice training with East End Hospice, Reiki Master training with Libby Barnett at Kripalu Institute, and completed an intensive Mind-Body Medicine Professional Training with the Center for Mind-Body Medicine.

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I did my undergraduate studies at Lesley College focusing on Developmental Psychology and how a child's immersion in the natural world strengthens their sense of self. 

 

I was trained as a SoulCollage® facilitator in 2004 with founder, Seena Frost.  I have assisted Anne Marie Bennett in training over 300 SoulCollage® facilitators, and lead online workshops that integrate Transition Coaching, Spiritual Wisdom and SoulCollage®.

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I have raised 3 daughters as a single mom, am grandparent to 3 delightful souls, worked for many years in Early Childhood Education, and I have over 25 years experience in Public Library and Non-Profit Administration. I bring all of this background to my coaching practice

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I had the good fortune of working with a fabulous iPEC- trained life coach for 4 years, as I made a huge transition after the death of my husband in 2012.  What a difference it made to have a skillful and supportive coach! He helped me clarify my priorities, work through a myriad of decisions and emotional challenges, envision my future life, and create it!   The experience had such deep impact that I knew I wanted to offer this kind of support to others.

 

I have been through many transitions in my life and have discovered much wisdom in consciously engaging the dynamic of change.  When that inner voice calls us to leave behind what no longer serves, it takes great courage to listen and bravely engage the unknown.  The rewards are tremendous!

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I look forward to meeting you and hearing your unique story.

I will bring my full presence, my life wisdom, and a broad range of coaching  skills to help guide you through your transitions and assist you in creating a more fulfilling life.

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WORDS OF GRATITUDE

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I had heard about life coaching before but never realized how powerful it could be until I started my sessions with Jeanne. Over the course of my adult life, I had been in therapy and supports groups and received some one-on-one mentoring, but nothing has brought about the instantaneous awakenings and ensuing positive actions like the work I’ve done with Jeanne. She has coached me through grief and uncertainty and supported me in planning and manifesting a life-changing, solo journey across the country and back.  
Jeanne is incredibly patient and understanding, asks the right questions at the right time and always encourages me to look to my inner knowing in order to express the authentic person I truly wish to be.
-- Virginia Gerardi 
 
Jeanne Marie creates a wonderful atmosphere of complete safety and sacred openness to express oneself freely, and then within this, possesses an uncanny ability to sort through one’s ramblings and digressions to extract the key, impassioned points to take up. She listens patiently and gives plenty of space, but then turns words into concrete actions to be taken, agreements clearly laid out, so that one feels totally excited to commit to and get to work on them.  Jeanne Marie finds the raw stones amidst the piles of rocks – and then guides you in how to polish them into gemstones that truly support and sustain you.  
She has an undeniable gift for this work.
-- Allison Harrington
 
Jeanne Marie brings together her well-honed skills and passion for living a full life to be a wonderful coach!  She can help you develop the self-knowledge and resilience needed to chart your course through challenging situations and create the life you long for.  Working with her was such a joy – and helped me grow as a person.  Enjoy your time with this wonderful lady!
-- Barbara Park Leggett
 
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"My daughter and I had such a wonderful retreat at your home. I thank you for an experience that was warming, enlightning and eye-opening! I didn't know what to expect, and , quite honestly, it blew me away!! I loved the sense of communal cooperation and respect that it brought, and the wonderful reminder that, although my life is very hustle bustle most of the time, I can still return to a soul level, it is always there. Our thanks for that wonderful gift, Jeanne. You truly are a "Soul Friend."
-- NP
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"Thank you for providing a consistent sanctuary and strengthening our spirits... and for bringing back to me much wonder and joy and a new sense of optimism and safety and hope. I just can’t thank you enough for all that you do and all that you are. Thanks again for another beautifully sensitive session and a refreshing day. The altar stays with me, brimming with color and life. You are wonderful and we are all blessed."
-- PM
 
 "Thank you so much for leading us all in Owen’s baby blessing, it was just as we’d hoped.  We are so grateful for the time, effort and thought you put in to helping us create a special and most sacred ceremony. We will never forget how everyone stood and sang “This Little Light of Mine” to our sweet little baby – we can’t wait to tell him all about it.  None of it would have been possible without you!   You are a true master at ritual, Jeanne, and it is such important work.  Thank you for sharing your passions with us and the world."
-- ECS
Jeanne at Mullaghmore.jpg

For More Information on my Spiritual Background, Click the Button Below

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